Nepal UK
Kathmandu, Nepal – The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians' Meet-2025 concluded in Kathmandu on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, with a strong message calling for deeper regional cooperation. The goal is to address shared environmental, social, and economic challenges across the HKH region.
The two-day meeting began on Monday under the theme "Sustaining Nature, Empowering People." It brought together more than 100 parliamentarians and representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
The event served as a platform for legislators and policymakers to discuss the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution, and to find joint solutions for safeguarding the future of the HKH region.
In a keynote address, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlighted the major financial and policy challenges facing the region.
He stated that the HKH countries need about US $740 billion annually for both adaptation and mitigation efforts. Dr. Gyamtsho emphasized that evidence-based policies, targeted investments, and collaborative actions are vital for building resilience and sustainability.
Speaking during the meet, Thaung Naing Oo, the head of Myanmar's delegation, described the HKH, also known as the "Third Pole," as a critical global asset. He noted that Myanmar’s northern mountainous regions share a significant ecosystem and high biodiversity with the broader HKH landscape.
"We must strengthen our partnerships and share our experience as we collectively strive to protect this invaluable region," he said. He stressed that a strong political commitment is necessary to address the transboundary nature of these threats.
Phuntsho Rapten, the head of Bhutan's delegation, shared his concern about the visible effects of climate change. "Every time I see the view of this tallest mountain, I also see some changes in the snow cover on Everest," he remarked.
He reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation, highlighting its constitutional mandate to maintain a minimum of 60% forest cover for all time.
The participating parliamentarians issued a joint declaration at the end of the meeting. This statement recognized the shared ecological importance of the HKH and the need for solidarity to foster climate resilience.
The declaration committed participants to holding regular HKH Parliamentarians’ Meets and exploring the creation of an HKH Parliamentarians' Forum. This forum would serve as a regional platform for sharing science, evidence, and best practices.
The declaration also stressed the need for global solidarity, “from mountains to oceans,” to achieve ambitious climate action and biodiversity conservation.
Adopted in Kathmandu on August 19, 2025, the statement reaffirmed the collective responsibility of the HKH nations to work together for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.
